USU Extension and Partners Receive Grant for Community Ed Programs

LOGAN, UT – An award from the Mexican Government will assist Utah State University Extension in offering bilingual and technology literacy classes to adults and youth through the Logan City School District.

The $2,000 funding is matched by one from the USU Community Credit Union and was awarded in August by Mexican Consul Socorro Rovirosa to offer community education programs to Latino populations in Utah. The award was received by Hector Mendiola, USU Extension director of programs for Latino communities, and Shane Ogden, Logan High School principal, and will support the Community Learning Center formed by USU Extension, Logan High School, Instituto Tecnológico de Monterrey and the Consulado de México.

Mendiola said the award is for the 2012-2013 school year and recognizes the community education work for diversity provided by USU Extension with Utah community agencies, the USU Community Credit Union and Utah schools.

“USU Extension is collaborating with schools with research-based programs to facilitate and implement education for Latinos,” he said. “The Logan City School District will offer courses in basic computer skills, English as a second language, Spanish/English literacy and vocational courses.”

The program began in 2001when USU Extension, Logan High School, Tecnológico de Monterrey and the Logan City School District founded the Community Learning Center at the Logan High School Technology Multicultural Center to provide technology and educational resources. Approximately 1,400 adults and 1,200 diversity students have learned ESL and technology through the program.

Several Utah school districts are replicating the program in their schools’ computer labs. Schools in Granite, Salt Lake, Canyons, Millard and Ogden districts are involved or will soon be involved in the program.

Mendiola said the education work of the Community Learning Center received the 2009 Extension CSREES USDA National Diversity Award and the 2010 Utah Valley University José M. Rubio Lifetime Achievement Award.

“Dr. Mendiola, who has received national recognition for the programs he directs, is a tireless advocate for those students, both youth and adult, striving to improve their capacity to contribute to society and better their lives,” said Charles W. Gay, associate vice president and associate director for USU Extension.